Researchers at the University of Surrey are developing a technology that will allow people to power mobile phones or medical devices by wearing clothing that harvests and stores electricity.

The wearable power sources are Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs), energy harvesting devices, which convert the movements of materials that produce static charge into usable electricity, which can be stored in batteries or supercapacitors.

TENGs could also be useful in developing countries, especially in remote locations where the main grid cannot reach, to power equipment such as radios, wireless communication devices, and medical equipment. Subsequently TENGs could also provide the household power requirements using large scale TENG networks.

The University of Surrey group of researchers have introduced a new model of the original TENG concept, which was originally invented by Professor Zhong Lin Wang at Georgia Tech. The researchers’ new model has improved sensors and energy generating devices which can be made into wearable applications, such as sewn into a T-shirt like a patch, or attached inside a pair of shoes.

TENGs could also be used in a sensor pad on a pavement that would light streetlamps by the energy created when stepped on by pedestrians, or placed inside a car tyre which would connect to the vehicle’s battery to create electricity.

University of Surrey PhD student Ishara Dharmasena, lead scientist in the project, said: “TENGs provide the wearer with a self-powered system so they can generate their own power for their energy needs, just with everyday movements, in a cost-effective way. We’re very pleased that our research has laid a platform for developing highly efficient TENGs.”

Professor Ravi Silva, director of the ATI and the principle supervisor of this project, said: “Wearable TENGs can be made from natural fabrics, such as cotton or wool, so the idea is carbon-friendly and a “renewable” technology, and could be used for years.

“We’re looking forward to creating systems to generate power that have the advantages of being portable, autonomous and self-powered.”

This research is expected to benefit people worldwide in areas of wearable and portable electronics, information and communication, medical applications, and industrial sectors.

The University predicts that “TENGs should be available in shops within the next few years” and that “in the near future, they should be able to be used to harness wind and wave energy to help provide power to the nation’s main grid for industrial and household use”.

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